Applicator brushes and method for using same

Abstract

There is provided an applicator brush that has bristles (filaments) made from a polymeric material derived from plants. Such bristles can provide improved mechanical and aesthetic characteristics compared to conventional bristles made from petrochemical-based synthetics. Bristles made from plant-based polymeric material are also more biodegradable compared to petrochemical-based synthetics. Preferably, the polymeric material is a polylactide polymer.

Wherefore we claim:  
     
         1 . An applicator brush comprising one or more bristles made from a naturally based polymeric material.  
     
     
         2 . The applicator brush of  claim 1 , wherein said polymeric material is derived substantially from plants.  
     
     
         3 . The applicator brush of  claim 2 , wherein said polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of: polylactide, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate, polyglycolic acid, polymers based on starch or starch derivatives, and any combinations thereof.  
     
     
         4 . An applicator brush comprising one or more bristles made from a polylactide polymer.  
     
     
         5 . The applicator brush of  claim 4 , wherein said polylactide polymer is derived substantially from one or more plants.  
     
     
         6 . The applicator brush of  claim 4 , wherein said polylactide polymer has the following general structure:  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       where n is the average molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 300,000.  
     
     
         7 . The applicator brush of  claim 6 , wherein said n is the average molecular weight from about 50,000 to about 250,000.  
     
     
         8 . The applicator brush of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more bristles are adapted to apply a cosmetic composition.  
     
     
         9 . The applicator brush of  claim 8 , wherein said cosmetic composition is selected from the group consisting essentially of: eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, nail polish, powder, and rouge.  
     
     
         10 . The applicator brush of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more bristles are adapted to apply a material selected from the group consisting essentially of hair dye, medicament, paint, and toothpaste.  
     
     
         11 . The applicator brush of  claim 1 , further comprising a bristle portion having a plurality of said bristles, and a handle connected to said bristle portion, wherein said bristle portion has a longitudinal axis about which said plurality of bristles are helically turned, and wherein from about 10 to about 65 of said plurality of bristles are disposed about one helical turn.  
     
     
         12 . The applicator brush of  claim 11 , wherein the applicator brush is biodegradable.  
     
     
         13 . The applicator brush of  claim 11 , wherein at least some of said plurality of bristles are hollow.  
     
     
         14 . The applicator brush of  claim 11 , wherein at least some of said plurality of bristles have a cross sectional dimension from about 0.01 to about 0.40 mm.  
     
     
         15 . The applicator brush of  claim 11 , wherein at least one capillary channel is formed on at least a portion of the surface of at least some of said plurality of bristles.  
     
     
         16 . A method of applying a liquid, gel-type or semi-solid material to a surface comprising the step of: 
 depositing the material on an applicator brush having one or more bristles made of a naturally based polymeric material.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said polymeric material is derived substantially from plants.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising applying the material from the applicator brush onto a person or substrate.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of: polylactide, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate, polyglycolic acid, polymers based on starch or starch derivatives, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said polymeric material is a polylactide polymer.  
     
     
         21 . The method of claim  20 , wherein said polylactide polymer has the following general structure:  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       where n is the average molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 300,000.